Methyl radical is a trivalent radical derived from methane, produced by the ultraviolet disassociation of halomethanes.
It can also be produced by the reaction of methane with the hydroxyl radical:
- OH• + CH4 → CH3• + H2O
The molecular geometry of the methyl radical is quasi-trigonal planar, although the energy cost of distortion to a pyramidal geometry is small. Substitution of hydrogen atoms by more electronegative substituents leads to radicals with a pyramidal geometry, such as the trifluoromethyl radical, CF3.
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